Technically speaking, I never officially reviewed this book on my blog – and it’s time to remedy that! I read my first Chloe Liese book near the end of 2020 (book three in this series), and I loved it so much that I went backwards and read this one, which was also fantastic. Probably my favorite of the series! It was so good that I made it a last minute addition to my Top 20 of 2020 list, before I had even reviewed it for the blog. So it seemed like the perfect book to look back on, especially since the next installment in this series of interconnected standalones is on the way soon!
Read on for my original review!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3k5Yb7W
Check out my Top 20 of 2020 list here
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Beautiful. This was just a stunningly beautiful, intensely deep love story. I loved the raw honesty that poured out of every scene. And I ADORED this hero. He’s the kind of steadfast, loving, supportive man that everyone needs in their life, and I wish there were more book boyfriends like him. Paired with a compelling, 100% original heroine, this couple is one of my favorites – ever. It’s an opposites attract romance that showcases the kind of deep love that can come from truly accepting yourself for who you are, and I can say without a doubt that I’ve never read anything quite like it. While the journey is emotional throughout, it’s also got touches of humor and lightness that brighten things up. I loved the connection between these two, the slow burn romance, the originality, and I was left wanting more.
This love story follows Ren, a guy who fell for a girl that he can’t have quite yet – and he’s willing to wait however long it takes to get her. Growing up as a nerd and Shakespeare lover shaped Ren into the man he is today, so becoming a star hockey player and undeniably sexy man hasn’t changed who he is at his core. While Ren fell for his coworker, Frankie, right away, she doesn’t seem to feel the same. Frankie’s used to people disappointing or misunderstanding her – as a woman who deals with autism and arthritis on a daily basis, it comes with the territory. But Ren is like a ray of sunshine on her otherwise cold life, and once these two let each other in a little deeper, Frankie realizes that she’d love to soak up some of his warmth.
I’ve been reading this series in reverse, and you won’t get an ounce of disappointment from me about that. The heartbreaking yet uplifting Ever After Always sunk into my soul a little bit, and after that, there was no stopping me from reading more from this author. The books are so vastly different that I couldn’t even begin to tell you which one I liked better, but I can tell you that they’re both excellent. This was just so DIFFERENT, standing out in a sea of romances that can sometimes blend together. It feels authentic, like it actually features people that you’d come across in everyday life – they’re not perfect, and they don’t pretend to be. Though… Ren might be as close to perfect as I’ve seen in a romance hero, because I LOVED him so, so much. He’s gentle, kind, and strong without being toxic. Husband material. If you’re up for a complex love story that will tug on your heartstrings in a big way, then I can’t recommend this book enough.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3k5Yb7W
Blurb:
Get ready for an emotional ride filled with laughter, longing, and a sweet slow-burn in this sports romance about love’s power not in spite of difference, but because of it.
Ren
The moment I met her, I knew Frankie Zeferino was someone worth waiting for. Deadpan delivery, secret heart of gold, and a rare one-dimpled smile that makes my knees weak, Frankie has been forbidden since the day she and I became coworkers, meaning waiting has been the name of my game—besides, hockey, that is.
I’m a player on the team, she’s on staff, and as long as we work together, dating is off-limits. But patience has always been my virtue. Frankie won’t be here forever—she’s headed for bigger, better things. I just hope that when she leaves the team and I tell her how I feel, she won’t want to leave me behind, too.
Frankie
I’ve had a problem at work since the day Ren Bergman joined the team: a six foot three hunk of happy with a sunshine smile. I’m a grumbly grump and his ridiculously good nature drives me nuts, but even I can’t entirely ignore that hot tamale of a ginger with icy eyes, the perfect playoff beard, and a body built for sin that he’s annoyingly modest about.
Before I got wise, I would have tripped over myself to get a guy like Ren, but with my diagnosis, I’ve learned what I am to most people in my life—a problem, not a person. Now, opening my heart to anyone, no matter how sweet, is the last thing I’m prepared to do.
Always Only You is an opposites-attract, forbidden love sports romance about a nerdy, late-blooming hockey star, and his tough cookie coworker who keeps both her soft side and her autism diagnosis to herself. Complete with a meddling secretary, tantric yoga torture, and a scorching slow burn, this standalone is the second in a series of novels about a Swedish-American family of five brothers, two sisters, and their wild adventures as they each find happily ever after.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3k5Yb7W
Start the series today!
Liese is best known for her Bergman Brothers series, and two of the books have made it on my Best of the Year lists (so far). Now is the perfect time to check out the series if you haven’t yet! Each book follows a different member of the Bergman family, so you might enjoy reading them in order. I’ve been doing things backwards, and that hasn’t been a problem either! My personal favorites are Always Only You (reverse grumpy/sunshine) and Ever After Always (marriage in trouble).
Only When It’s Us
https://amzn.to/3nEmdmg
Always Only You
Read the review here
https://amzn.to/3owDoXW
Ever After Always
Read the review here
https://amzn.to/32whACo
With You Forever
Read the review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3hqE3Zu
Everything for You
Read the review here
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JX2vxc
The next book releases in April!
If Only You
Preorder on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3K9E57l
About the Author:
Chloe writes romances reflecting her belief that everyone deserves a love story. Her stories pack a punch of heat, heart, and humor, and often feature characters who are neurodivergent like herself. When not dreaming up her next book, Chloe spends her time wandering in nature, playing soccer, and most happily at home with her family and mischievous cats.
Connect with Chloe:
Website: https://chloeliese.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18859163.Chloe_Liese
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Chloe-Liese/e/B07PH1Y8TR
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chloeliese/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chloe_liese/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/chloe_liese
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chloe_liese
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/chloe-liese
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